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Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert: Perception Vs

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Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert: Perception Vs Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert: Perception Vs. Reality By: Elizabeth Terminel, Kylie Ferguson & Valentina Tubac Sonoran Desert Discovery Fall 2010 Sonoran Desert Discovery, University of Arizona Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert 2010 Summary Short Elevator Speech: We are students from the University of Arizona with a goal to educate the public about toxic species of the Sonoran Desert. Our mission is to teach the difference between poison and venom. Residents of the Sonoran Desert should have the knowledge to determine what species can harm you and which species will not. Long Elevator Speech: We are students from the University of Arizona with a goal to educate the public about toxic species in the Sonoran Desert. Our mission is to teach the difference between venom and poison. Venom is a toxic that must be actively injected through a bite or a sting. Poison on the other hand is passive, meaning it must be ingested, inhaled or absorbed for its effects to be felt. Our focus is aimed on four species: the Sonoran Desert Toad, the Fly Agaric Mushroom, the Bark Scorpion, and the Arizona Blond Tarantula. We will discuss the use of toxins as a defensive mechanisms and how that gives a species an advantage over both predators and prey. Target Audience This workshop is geared towards children in grades 5 and up, however for adults we can offer more in-depth information on any of our target species through our background information. The activities for this workshop are for any age group, but younger audiences may be more interested to participate in them. We will try to actively engage adults though conversation and get them to ask us questions about the species. Introduction The Sonoran Desert is a vast area of roughly 120,000 square miles, stretching from southeastern California across southern Arizona, and extending south into Sonora, Mexico. This region has a large diversity of species and habitats. Surviving in the Sonoran Desert proves to be a challenge for many outsiders. It is an environment where temperatures can reach well over 100°F and those who are not well adapted may not survive. Both plant and animal species, found in the Sonoran Desert region, have specialized functions that allow them to survive. Defense mechanisms in particular are very important to animal life. Animals must eat and avoid being eaten. A defense mechanism gives prey an advantage against its enemies and increases their chance of survival. Adaptations that benefit an organism, such as chemical and physical defenses secure the species survival. Specialized defense mechanisms aid in the protection of prey from predators. A specific type of defense mechanism involves the use of toxins to ward off predators. Often, there is confusion between whether a species is venomous or poisonous. A simple way to explain the difference between venom and poison is by looking at the method of action. A venomous species will inject a toxin though a bite or sting into your body while, a poisonous species will have a toxin that if touched or ingested will cause disturbances (Jadin 2009). The difference between venomous and poisonous is a common misconception among the general public. 2 Sonoran Desert Discovery, University of Arizona Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert 2010 The goal of this workshop is to educate the public on the difference between poisonous and venomous species and to raise general awareness about toxic species found in the Sonoran Desert. The concept of perception vs. reality will be explored through the use of specific examples of both venomous and poisonous species. The adaptation of toxins in species will also be discussed, primarily focusing on toxins as a defense mechanism. Poison as a defense mechanism In biological terms poison is referred to as a chemical substance that causes structural or functional disturbance when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed within the body (Dorland’s Medical Dictionary 2010). Disturbances can range from mild discomfort to paralysis to hallucinations and in some cases death. Poisons acts as a passive defense mechanism because the species does not need a method of injection (Babb 2010). Poisonous species typically deliver toxins when harassed or ingested by other species. An interesting example of a poisonous species found in the Sonoran Desert is the Sonoran Desert Toad or Incilius alvarius (Rorabaugh 2008). The Sonoran Desert toad is the largest toad native to North America, reaching up to 7 ½ inches long. As shown in the picture to the right, this toad has smooth leathery skin that is sparsely covered with pale orange warts. The skin color can range from a dark brown to olive or grayish green in color. The belly of the toad is cream colored and usually unmarked. The most identifying characteristic is the presence of large granular glands on the neck and limbs (Philips 2000). These glands secrete thick, milky-white, neurotoxin venom called bufotenine (Babb 2010). Bufotenine contains the chemical compound 5-MeO-DMT (5- methoxy-dimethyltryptamine), a highly potent hallucinogen (Clare 2009). The poison is typically released when other animals harass the toad. Dogs are especially at risk of toad poisoning. A dog can suffer from toad poisoning if the toad sits in the dogs drinking water long enough. When ingested by dogs the poison is known to cause severe discomfort, paralysis, or even death (UA College of Pharmacy 2008). Pet owners who are unaware of the effects of toad poisoning should be aware of the common symptoms associated with toad poisoning. 3 Sonoran Desert Discovery, University of Arizona Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert 2010 Symptoms of toad poisoning, in dogs: Excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth Head shaking, red or irritated gums Drunken gait Confusion Weakness or complete collapse Heart arrhythmia Vomiting Diarrhea Pawing at the mouth (Philips 2000) If you see your dog with a toad in its mouth, do not disregard it, you should: Rinse area with water Run the water from one side of the mouth to the other to allow the toxic rinse water to run out of the mouth and not down your dog’s throat. If any unusual symptoms occur, take your dog to the veterinarian. (UA College of Pharmacy 2008) Called the “psychedelic toad” this species has been abused by misguided recreational drug enthusiasts for its hallucinogenic capabilities (Clare 2009). When vaporized by heat and taken into the lungs in the form of smoke, the toxins from the Sonoran Desert toad are extremely hallucinogenic (Most 1983). 5-MEO-DMT, a chemical compound secreted in the poison, has ten times the relative potency of diethyl tryptamine (DMT), the popular synthetic psychedelic drug of the 1960's (Most 1983). Buffoteine is a Schedule 1 controlled substance n the United States. Possession of the toad is not a crime itself but if it can be shown that possession of this toad is with the intent to milk and smoke its poison then it is considered illegal (Arizona Game and Fish 2009). The Fly Agaric Mushroom (Amanita muscaria) is a poisonous mushroom found in the Sonoran Desert. Mushrooms, also known as basidiomycetes, are fungi that can range from being completely edible to toxic and deadly. The fly agaric is a psychoactive mushroom containing poisonous toxins (Arkive). This fungus can be identified by its bright red cap measuring three to eight inches in diameter and anywhere from two to eight inches in height. The mushroom cap is usually bright red, but has been found in varying shades of brown, orange, yellow, and pink. The stem and gills are white in color. The 4 Sonoran Desert Discovery, University of Arizona Toxic Species of the Sonoran Desert 2010 mushroom can be identified by the many pyramidal warts that are white to yellow in color sprouting from the mushroom’s cap. After a heavy rainfall, the white spots on the mushroom cap can wash away leading to misidentification (Christianson). Through adaptation, the fly agaric mushroom has adopted a system of toxic poison as a defense mechanism. Much energy must be expended in order to produce fruiting bodies; therefore natural selection has given rise to mushrooms containing poison. Wild animals and humans alike learn to avoid this fungus, as result of its undesirable side effects. Poison in the mushroom ensures that the species will survive (Volk). The fly agaric mushroom contains two poisons that lead to hallucinations. Muscimol and Ibotenic acid are the psychoactive agents present in the mushroom. Erik Christianson explains that, “These chemicals act on the nervous system as neuropeptide receptors to induce the inebriating effect” (Christianson). Ibotenic acid is a highly potent neurotoxin that can cause brain lesions. Muscimol attacks the neurotransmitter responsible for fear, which causes victims of ingestion to experience a loss of the emotion fear (Volk). Ingesting just one mushroom cap can be enough to cause symptoms. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, drowsiness, sweating, hallucinations, mood changes, euphoria, relaxation, and loss of equilibrium. In very serious poisonings, seizures and/or coma can ensue. Fatal dosage is estimated at 15 mushroom caps, therefore it is highly unlikely for death to occur from the mushrooms if medical attention is given (Christianson). Within our society, drugs are perceived with very negative connotations. Entheogen, better known as a hallucinogenic drug, has been used for many beneficial purposes throughout history. Ethnogen mycologist James Arthur explains that hallucinogenic drugs can, “expand consciousness, increase awareness of self, and initiate one into the spirituality of health” (Arthur). The fungus has been used in various cultures in a positive light, but there is still much taboo surrounding the use of mushrooms to get high. Although, some people perceive this mushroom as being helpful in accomplishing vision quests, great care should be taken when deciding to ingest wild mushrooms.
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